I don’t know about you, but when someone talks about someone famous I always associate something with that person. For example, when we think of Abraham we are reminded of his blind faith which was rewarded by God. With Benjamin Franklin it is his wit and diverse nature of interests, both admirable and edgy. Billy Graham, on the other hand is an image of God’s love to all people, everywhere and his willingness to go throughout the world to plead the cause of Christ and our need of salvation. In the same way each of these people have concepts inextricably tied to them, so will you have a perception tied to you as your life and personality mature.
When I was younger, I refused to read biographies. I could not see the correlation between someone else’s life and mine. I just wanted information that would make me better. I did not fully grasp the relevance of another person’s journey helping shape and guide my path. It was not until I read Paul’s quote: “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus” in 2 Timothy 1:13. It was then that I realized that all the self-help books and gathered information, while helpful in general, will rarely help you establish your niche and value proposition. You must find characteristics and traits you relate to and want to possess in your own lives. Normally, a real life or biographical example can help you see this more clearly. I fully expect your character concept to be different than your brothers’ and sisters’.
I have a suggestion for you on how to identify and apply these concepts in your life. There are books available for you to study the names of God. Names like Jirah (provider), Ori (light), Rophi (healer), Mekaddishkem (sanctifier), Shalom (peace), Tsidkenu (righteousness), etc., are assigned to Him throughout scripture to help you identify his characteristics. As you know more about Him personally, you will be able to relate to one or more of those characteristics. Developing some of those characteristics will deepen and broaden your personal character and begin to identify “who” you are.
As your studies begin to come to some conclusions, turn to Galatians 5:22 – 23. There you will find the Fruit of the Spirit. In each of the nine aspects you will find some you do well and others that are sorely lacking. Now, compare them to the names of God you most closely associate with. See any parallels? You should. Study the Greek words for each aspect of the Fruit. While you goal is to be all things, the reality is that it will take God to make you complete and that will not happen until you graduate to Heaven. In the mean time, however, focus on the character traits you have been given. See how they can help define the promise God made to you when you were on His “drawing board.”
It’s a fine line we walk, kids. While we cannot compare ourselves with others, we can use what others have learned and described to help shape the gifts we have been given by a living God. I can’t wait until you discover how many of God’s characteristics reside in you and how that will impact the fruit in your life. Tell me about it some time.
Love Dad